May 16, 2026

Summary

This Saturday town hall was held as a casual, listening-focused conversation with residents rather than a formal presentation. City officials and staff gave updates on the water system transition, heard from a volunteer firefighter about a new emergency preparedness effort, and invited resident input on the upcoming comprehensive plan update and other big-picture ideas. The meeting closed with an open floor for questions and a motion to adjourn.

Key items

• Water project status: Construction was reported at roughly 52% complete. The water tower and field station were described as about 99% complete. Water is in the main line, but tributary/street mains are not yet charged. Completion is estimated at about a year out.
• Fill station / hauling water: The POA is currently hauling water from the field station. Richard offered to be at the city field station around 3:30 p.m. to help residents learn the equipment and troubleshoot. Officials discussed pipe-size issues for hauling (a 6-inch pipe reportedly slides over the fill spout) and stressed that setups cannot be altered until USDA signs off on the project to avoid jeopardizing funding.
• Rosemary tie-in: A tie-in near Rosemary was delayed from Thursday to Friday to possibly Monday due to lab testing requirements (flush, disinfect, test). Residents were warned to expect temporary sediment, air pockets, and cloudy water, plus higher/more consistent pressure. Suggested remedies: run water at the lowest point and remove faucet aerators.
• Meters: Roughly 830 meters total; about 130 old POA meters were already swapped, with ~700 more to install. Meters included in the grant/loan are covered so residents don’t pay for them as part of install. New meters will start down Main/Holiday and offshoots; phasing was left to the contractor.
• Hookup process: Residents must fill out a permit (no charge), have a survey/pin locate on file, and are strongly encouraged to use a licensed plumber from the city’s approved contractor list. A tracer wire was recommended. Setback rules discussed (e.g., water line 10 ft from sewer; holding tanks 25 ft from the main). Residents have 90 days from meter drop to hook up; billing (~$65) starts at hookup or after 90 days, with possible extensions for good-faith efforts. Inspection by Matthew triggers meter turn-on (coordinated with contractor Mike Page).
• Old cistern/tank systems: Existing private tank systems must be physically disconnected from the city system. Residents discussed possible reuse (rain/irrigation storage, possible backup sewer tank pending KDHE guidance).
• Water plant/building: Once the tie-in occurs, the plant goes “offline.” Questions were raised about ownership of the building and equipment and the future of the structure; officials said the contract covers decommissioning (a physical disconnect), not demolition, and deferred building/equipment decisions.
• Reporting issues: Residents were reminded to report water-project problems to City Hall (Mindy), not Facebook. Sign-ups for the “Text My Gov” alert system are on the city website. A washed-out road at Elm/Holiday was raised for follow-up.
• Emergency preparedness (Jade Ward): Ward introduced a developing citizen-led emergency preparedness committee focused on an after-action plan for major disasters. Plans include a private emergency household registry (accessible only to first responders), promotion of “Operation Red File” medical files (available at City Hall), and reflective 911 address signs. The committee is seeking volunteers for specific roles, with details to come.
• Sirens: Both warning sirens were reported working after repairs (one had a blown transformer fixed April 27). Residents raised concerns about hearing them indoors; officials noted sirens are meant for outdoor warning and encouraged multiple alert sources (weather radio, apps). Staff agreed to confirm testing status.
• Comprehensive plan update: The plan hasn’t been updated since 2007; the city is beginning an update and wants broad resident input. Topics raised included a watershed/wildlife master plan (POA lakes and wildlife committee), deer/tick management, commercial zoning, parks (dog park, splash pad), and a possible helipad relocation near the fire station.
• Backyard chickens: A resident asked about allowing chickens; current ordinance prohibits them. The mayor expressed personal support and openness to research once the lake is no longer the drinking source, noting POA covenants could still restrict it.
• Sewer expansion & new City Hall: Council members expressed interest in expanding the grinder-pump sewer system and building a city-owned facility (possibly a community center/shared building with the POA) to replace the current leased building (~$2,000/month, lease expiring next year). No decisions made.
• Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and passed by voice vote.

Follow-ups

• The Rosemary tie-in timing remained uncertain (possibly Monday or later); notifications to go out via Text My Gov.
• Door tags for meter installations were suggested but not confirmed.
• Staff to look into the washed-out road at Elm/Holiday.
• Resident concerns about missing/removed survey pins and a meter stake reportedly on a neighbor’s lot to be addressed at City Hall with the contractor (Heitman).
• Setback/meter rules to be printed and made available at City Hall (Mindy/Paige).
• Matthew awaiting KDHE response on whether a water tank can serve as a backup sewer tank.
• Michael to follow up with Chief Corey on siren testing.
• Emergency preparedness committee details, registry, and volunteer roles to be communicated as they develop.
• Comprehensive plan update process just beginning; residents encouraged to submit ideas.
• Research needed before any decisions on chickens, sewer expansion, new City Hall, helipad relocation, and possible annexation/land acquisition.
• Reference was made to a separate project expected to break ground within ~30 days (pending USDA signature), taking about a year.

This is an unofficial summary for residents. The approved minutes are the official record.